Window and hurricane panel therefor



Sept. l5, 1970 M. LUKE WINDOW AND HURRICANE PANEL THEREFOR Filed March 24, 1969 PWA/00W FEA/10E mM RP H R N 0 N H M C .A G. 7 Z

AT TRNEY United States Patent O l 3,528,196 WINDOW AND HURRICANE PANEL THEREFOR Manuel Luke, 1240 SE. th St., Deerield Beach, Fla. 33441 Filed Mar. 24, 1969, Ser. No. 809,836 Int. Cl. E05b 65/04 U.S. Cl. 49-62 6 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A sheet-like hurricane panel is provided for rapid and safe insertion into channels integral with the window. The top of the channels is open and accessible for insertion of the panels from a position Within the building when the lower portion of the window is pivoted outwardly about a horizontal axis that is intermediate the upper and lower extremities ofthe window.

This invention relates generally to pivotal windows and in particular to that type of window having means for removably supporting a hurricane panel over the glass thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION There is at this time need for a window that may have a hurricane panel attached thereto in a minimum of time and without the use of hardware or special tools. A prime requisite of the window is that the hurricane panel be installable from inside the building without any special skills. In order to encourage its use, it is also desirable that the panel and the frame associated therewith be low in cost and yet rugged enough to withstand the forces of the high winds that accompany a hurricane 0r Similar storm. Further, the hurricane panel should be interchangeable on any window within a given size range so that the panel need not be custom-sized and marked for use with a particular window.

The need for an effective hurricane panel is Well recognized as evidenced by the large and varied extent of the patent literature in this art. For example, the patent issued to A. Hurowitz et al. on Mar. 17, 1959, No. 2,877,- 840, does teach the use of a removable shade panel that is supported in channels which are integral with the window frame. However, because the window in the Hurowitz et al. patent is hinged along the top edge thereof, it is impossible to insert the panel from a position inside of the room. Accordingly, while the Hurowitz structure does have utility as a combination storm Window, screen and awning on installations at ground level or at heights that can be reached with an outside stepladder, it is not practical in a high rise building. Certainly it would be impractical to install scaffolding around a tall building at the issuance of each hurricane warning and yet this is the only way that Hurowitz structure can be used at a height that cannot be reached with a stepladder.

A patent, No. 1,999,504, was issued on Apr. 30, 1935 to G. Jaeger, which patent discloses a vertically pivotal window that is provided with a covering panel having a peripheral lip on three sides. The Jaeger device suffers the same basic defect as the Hurowitz et al. structure. That is, it cannot easily and quickly be mounted in place from inside the room. It will be appreciated that a panel the size of the average window is very large and, if in fact it can be installed from inside the room, it would be extremely dangerous to the point of being impractical since the installer would have to juggle the panel with two hands and lean out of the Window in order to t the peripheral lip over the window ange. Since this would have to be done very quickly in the event of a hurricane 3,528,l96 Patented Sept. 15 1970 rvice warning, say on the 15th or 20th floor, the inherent danger is readily apparent.

Other pertinent art in this field are the South Pat. No. 2,661,507, the Buckwalter Pat. No. 2,631,698 and the Mitchell Pat. No. 2,627,951. The South patent provides windows that are pivoted outwardly at the top edge in the same manner as the Hurowitz et al. patent so that the top window is not available for the insertion of a hurricane panel from a point inside the room. The Buckwalter patent is functionally similar to the Jaeger patent in that the window pivots about a vertical axis. The Mitchell patent discloses jalousie windows that pivot about a horizontal axis intermediate the top and bottom edges. However, no channels are provided since the panel is ilexible and has inwardly turned opposed flanges that are snapped over the upper and lower horizontal edges of each glass panel.

Although the problem of providing quickly and easily installed protective panels has existed for quite some time and the need is acute, the aforementioned prior art, either individually or in combination, does not provide an adequate solution. None of the patents mentioned above, with the exception of the Mitchell patent, lends itself to inside installation and there is no suggestion that the disclosure of Mitchell can or should be combined with any of the other patents. While each of the prior art patents makes its own individual contribution, the final inventive step that makes the hurricane panels practical for high rise buildings has been absent until the advent of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION By way of contrast, the present invention includes a channel integral with at least the two vertical sides of the window frame. The upper end of each channel is open, thus defining entry means from within the room for the hurricane panel when the window is opened by pivoting about a horizontal axis that is spaced downwardly from the top edge of the Window. The inside wall of each channel is spaced from the confronting surface of the window frame by a dimension that further permits easy installation of the panel from inside of the building. In one embodiment of this invention the top horizontal edge of the panel is provided with an inwardly extending lip so that when the side edges of the panel are positioned in the frame channels the top edge rests on, and is supported by, an extension of the top horizontal edge of the window frame. Alternatively, the panel lip may be omitted and an integral channel formed on two opposed vertical sides as well as the transverse horizontal side at the bottom of the window frame.

Plastic may be used for the hurricane panels although it is presently preferred to use either stainless steel, aluminum or other noncorrosive metal. When the panels are being formed, integral stiffening ribs may be included as well as any textured or embossed decorative pattern. It is evident then that, in addition to the low cost and ease of installation, the panels need not be married to a particular window because mounting hardware is not used. The panels may be made in a range of stock sizes and are therefore completely interchangeable.

The most readily apparent applicability of this invention is in connection with new windows, particularly in high rise buildings. Most commonly, the window frames are comprised of extruded sections that are suitably secured to each other. The present invention requires the addition of channels on either two or three sides and this may be done by using suitably shaped dies with existing extruding apparatus in order to produce the new cross Sectional configuration.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide an improved window having means for removably supporting a hurricane panel.

A primary object of the present invention is to provide a hurricane panel, as described above, that may readily be installed and removed from a position within a room.

A particular object is to provide an extruded window frame having integral channel means for removably supporting a hurricane panel.

Another object is to provide an improved window frame that supports a removable hurricane panel on the top and side edges thereof.

A further object is to provide an improved Window frame that supports a removable hurricane panel on the bottom and side edges thereof.

A particular feature of this invention is that the hurricane panel is removably supported without recourse to fasteners or clamps.

It is another important feature of this invention that the hurricane panels are interchangeable with a given Window and do not require marking or identification.

These and other features, objects and advantages of the invention will, in part, be pointed out with particularity and will, in part, become obvious from the following more detailed description of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, which forms an integral part thereof.

In the various figures of the drawing like reference characters designate like parts.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is a perspective view, partially broken away, illustrating a typical application of the present invention;

FIGS. lA-lC are transverse sectional views taken through various portions of a typical extruded window frame of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary, vertical sectional view of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary, yhorizontal sectional view of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. l;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary, vertical sectional view of an alternative embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the panel used with the. first embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a perspective vieW of the panel used with the second embodiment of this invention; and

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary side elevational view, in section, schematically illustrating the insertion of a hurricane panel from a position within a room.

In FIG. l of the drawing an awning type window 10 is used by way of example to illustrate the environment of this invention. Window 10 includes a fixed frame 12 and a plurality of individual glass panels 14 each having its own frame that is pivotally mo 'ajble on suitable linkages 15 within frame 12. It should be particularly noted that the window panels 14 each pivot about a horizontal axis that is below the top edge thereof and, further, when the windows are open, as shown particularly in FIG. 7, the top edge faces the inside of the room.

Each glass panel 14 is comprised of a pane of glass 16 and frame sections 18a, 18h, 18C and 18d supporting the glass. A transverse ange 19 is also integral with the lower frame section 18e of each window. Flange 19 is arranged to be positioned over the top edge of each hurricane panel in order to prevent upward movement of the panel. However, the flange does not interfere with the installation of a -hurricane panel from Within the room. In accordance with conventional practices gaskets are included, for example, below flange 19. These have been omitted from the drawings for clarity.

In combination with the remainder of the glass panel 14, the present invention resides in channel members 20a, 20h and 20c extruded integrally with their respective frame sections. As will be explained hereinafter, inside Wall surfaces 22a, 22b and 22C removably hold a hurricane panel 24 in covering relationship with the glass pane 16. Ribs 26 are formed on the hurricane panel fo'r stitfening purposes. Other more decorative. rib patterns may CTl 4 also be employed. FIGS. lA-lC illustrate the physical relationship of the glass pane, the frame sections and the channel extruded therewith as well as the hurricane panel.

FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, in vertical and horizontal section, respectively, clearly show that the channel members may be integrally formed when the frame section is being extruded. By way of illustration the inside height of the channel members is between SAS inch to 1/2 inch and the inside width of the channel members is approximately 0.060 inch. Accordingly, the channels can easily accept the stamped metal hurricane panels 24 which are in the order of 0.050 inch thick. These dimensions are given only for example purposes and are in no way intended to be limiting. In FIG. 3 it is to be particularly noted that the width of the hurricane panel 24 is somewhat less than the space between mullions M, thus permitting the hurricane panel to be installed from inside the building. This size relationship is important and is present on all embodiments of this invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention wherein onlyA the two vertical frame sections 18a and 18b are provided with integrally extruded channels 20a: and 201), respectively. Channel 20c may be omitted. In order to support the hurricane panel 24 in covering relation with the glass pane 16, an inwardly turned lip 27 is formed on the hurricane panel 24. Lip 27 rests on top of frame section 18d when the sides of the hurricane panel 24 are disposed Within channels 20a and 2Gb. lt will also be seen that the window frame includes a transverse flange 19 extending along the lower horizontal section thereof. In the assembled condition flange 19 is disposed in proximity to lip 27 when the window is closed and therefore serves as additional retaining means for the hurricane panel. As in the previous embodiment, the hurricane panel is easily slipped into the opposed vertical channels from the top thereof from a position within the room and are removed in the same manner from inside the room. Also, conventional gaskets, not shown for clarity, may be included Where required.

In FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 the two different hurricane panels comprising this invention are illustrated. Although not illustrated, as an optional feature resilient gaskets may be added to the edge of each hurricane panel that is positioned in a channel..While this is not absolutely essential to the functioning of the device, it does tend to reduce vibration of the hurricane panel such as may be encountered as a result of strong winds in a storm. As an additional optional feature, a plurality of weep holes 28 may be included in channel 20c in order to provide proper drainage of Water.

FIG. 7 schematically illustrates the basic and most important concept which clearly distinguishes the present invention over the prior art. To open the Window the glass panels are rotated in a counterclockwise direction such that the open end of the hurricane panel receiving channels faces the interior of the room. The means for moving the glass panel, are by themselves unimportant. That is, the glass panels may move individually or in tandem. Further, the upper, open end of the hurricane panel receiving channels may also be of the type that move directly downward and remain within the plane of the Window frame. In either type of construction the upper, open end of the channels define entry means for the hurricane panel from a position Within the room. While at rst glance this may appear to be a very simple matter of no great consequence, it should be carefully noted that it has completely escaped those that have been working in the art for some time. None of the prior art has or even remotely suggests the important feature of installing hurricane panels from within the room although the need for this feature is Well recognized and has been longstanding.

The invention described hereinabove provides improved, integrally extruded channels for removably supa porting a hurricane panel. In one embodiment the hurricane panel is supported on a bottom, transverse edge and in another embodiment the hurricane panel is supported on a top transverse edge. In combination with the use of integrally extruded channels the most important feature of the present invention is that in both embodiments, the hurricane panel is inserted and removed from the top of the window panel and from the inside of the room. Additionally, in both embodiments the hurricane panels are held along their side edges by two opposed vertical channels integral with the window frame.

The present invention is characterized by the absence of clamps or mounting hardware for removably holding the hurricane panels, which are also interchangeable from window to window within a given range of window sizes. Thus, without detracting from the appearance of the window an improved window capable of accepting a hurricane panel is provided. It should also be pointed out that since the cost of the window is not substantially increased, a more utilitarian and universal window is available. The window with the extruded channels added could be a stock item with the purchaser using the hurricane panels at his own option or as the need arises.

It cannot be emphasized too strongly that while the hurricane panel of this invention is applicable to windows in almost all buildings, it linds its greatest utility in high rise buildings wherein it is virtually impossible to install window protective means from the outside of the building. It is totally impractical to install scaffolding for each hurricane window and in most buildings only a very small ledge, say in the order of 24 inches Wide is available for outside work such as is required with the installation of the prior art. Obviously, the prior art is too dangerous for application above the second story of a building. It is just as obvious that the prior art is impractical because it cannot be installed rapidly after the first hurricane advisory.

The particular window to which the present invention is directed is that type that pivots about a horizontal axis that is spaced below the top edge thereof. Thus, even if the window is only partially open the top edge will transcribe an are that moves both downwardly and inwardly of the room. Since thel supporting channels have their open end facing inwardly, the hurricane panel can be inserted and removed from inside the room.

Having thus disclosed the best embodiment of the invention presently contemplated, it is to be understood that various changes and modifications may be made .by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the lnvention.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. An improved window for removably holding a hurricane panel in covering relationship with the window glass, said window comprising, in combination:

(a) a support frame encasing the periphery of the glass, said frame having two contiguous pairs of parallel sides defined by two opposed horizontal and two opposed vertical sides;

(b) a channel member integral with at least said two opposed vertical sides of said support frame, each said channel member being open at the top thereof to dene entry means for the hurricane panel and having an inside wall spaced from said support frame by a dimension suflicient to removably slidably receive the hurricane panel;

(c) means pivotably supporting said frame for rotation about a horizontal axis that is spaced below the top edge of said frame whereby the open end of said channel members is in communication with the interior of the room when the window is open; and

(d) means for limiting insertion of said panel from a position inside of the room.

2. The combination in accordance with claim 1 wherein said channel member is integral with said two vertical sides and the lower one of said horizontal sides, the hurricane panel being arranged to be removably and slidably received in the vertical portions of said channel member and be seated within the horizontal portion of said channel member.

3. An improved translucent window comprising, in combination:

(a) a support frame encasing the periphery of the translucent area of said Window, said support frame having two contiguous pairs of parallel sides defined by upper and lower horizontal sides and two opposed vertical sides;

(b) a channel member integral with at least said two opposed vertical sides of said frame, each said channel member being open at the top thereof and having an inside wall spaced from said suport frame;

(c) a hurricane panel having two opposed side edges removably positioned between said channel member inside wall and the confronting surface of said support frame; and

(d) means pivotably supporting said frame for rotation about a horizontal axis that is spaced below the top edge of said support frame whereby the open end of said channel mem-bers dene entry means for said hurricane panel, said entry means being in communication with the interior of the room when said window is open.

4. The combination in accordance with claim 3 wherein said hurricane panel includes stiffening means integral therewith.

5. The combination in accordance with claim 3 wherein comprises a transverse lip extending at least partly across one of the sides of said hurricane panel that is not positioned between said channel member and said support frame, said lip being arranged to rest on the upper one of said horizontal edges of said support frame.

6. The combination in accordance with claim 5 wherein said channel member is integral with said two vertical sides and the lower one of said horizontal sides, said hurricane panel being arranged to be removably and slidably received in the vertical portionsof said channel member and be seated within the horizontal portion of said channel member.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,538,976 1/1951 Meek 49-62 2,627,951 2/ 1953 Mitchell 49-74 X 2,661,507 12/1953 South 49-371 2,877,840 3/ 1959 Hurowitz et al 49-62 X 3,392,486 7/ 1968 Luke 49-62 DENNIS L. TAYLOR, Primary Examiner 

